Tiger Woods declared it was all systems go after sneaking in nine quick holes at Torrey Pines yesterday, two days ahead of his official PGA Tour comeback at the Farmers Insurance Open.

On a sparkling winter morning in southern California, with not a cloud in the sky and barely a ripple on the Pacific Ocean, Woods showed he is still an early bird when he teed off shortly after the sun had risen over the Laguna Mountains.

He played the back nine on the South Course and was finished by 9.30 in the morning. Woods was confident in his game.

"You have to beat balls for a little bit of time to build up your endurance and muscles. I feel like I've done that and now it's time to play a tournament," he said.

Woods, who has barely played in three years due to a serious back injury, returned after a 10-month absence when he took part in the Hero World Challenge.

"I've had a little more time to get ready for this event," he said. "I've played a lot more golf and overall I feel like I've made some nice changes. I feel good."

Woods (42) will play the first two rounds alongside Patrick Reed and Charley Hoffman.